Racist pensioner gets stalking order over Jo Cox post

⚖️ A pensioner who posted a chilling message on social media comparing murdered MP Jo Cox to a North Wales politician has been handed an indefinite stalking protection order.

David Lowe, 72, from Y Felinheli in Gwynedd, uploaded an image to X in November showing the late Labour MP alongside Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid Cymru’s MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd. The disturbing post carried the message: “The wrong people are being murdered.”

The incident was reported to police on 8 November when Ms Saville Roberts’ daughter, Lowri Roberts, dialled 999 after spotting the post online.

Previous conviction and latest threats

Lowe had previously been jailed in 2020 for sending threatening communications to the Plaid MP, including an email that referenced Jo Cox, who was murdered by a far-right extremist in 2016.

The court heard that Lowe had also posted another threatening message on X, stating: “Plaid’s brownshirts have sunk to a new low in Caerphilly. Knocking on doors, ordering people to ‘leave now, while you can’. Their Fuhrer should bear in mind that a house and its occupants…burns equally well. Nearest fire station is Pwllheli.”

When questioned by police, solicitor Gareth Preston told Llandudno court that Lowe had shown “considerable enmity” towards Ms Saville Roberts. “He confirmed he was a racist,” Mr Preston said, adding that Lowe had referred to people as “traitors”.

Order imposed after previous restrictions expired

The stalking protection order was granted on Wednesday by District Judge Gwyn Jones, who said: “It’s clear that Mr Lowe poses a significant risk of harm.”

Mr Preston explained that a previous restraining order against Lowe had expired in June. “Following expiry, he’s reverted to type. Police are of the view this is one of those occasions we ask for an open-ended order,” he told the court.

The pensioner had caused “great concern” to the MP and her family, the court heard.

Strict conditions and serious consequences

Under the terms of the order, which will remain in place until further notice, Lowe is banned from contacting or approaching Ms Saville Roberts, entering her Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency, or posting about the politician on social media. Additional restrictions have been placed on his internet use, and he must register with police.

Judge Jones highlighted the severity of Lowe’s behaviour, noting: “Mr Lowe has information as to where the member resides. David Lowe does have a degree of animosity towards Liz Saville-Roberts MP. But it’s clear that animosity and behaviour towards her is now not only impacting upon her but also her extended family.”

Lowe did not attend the hearing but had indicated through his solicitor that he wasn’t concerned about the order being made and would comply with the court’s decision.

The judge warned Lowe in his absence that breaching the stalking protection order could result in up to five years imprisonment.